There can be little doubt that China intends to challenge the United States for the role of the leading power in the Western Pacific. The Chinese military, under the direction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has routinely trailed their coats down the Alaskan coast, as well as pushing up close to Japan, the Philippines, and other American allies. This is an old game, conducting “freedom of navigation” exercises, and we do it too.
China has also been making moves to dial its military in, including upgrading equipment – and aircraft. In one of the more recent developments, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (yes, they really call it that) is now fielding a “new” nuclear-capable strategic bomber, the H-6N.
But there’s a catch. It’s not really a new bomber.
The new strategic bomber is an H-6N that was recently converted to a nuclear delivery…
